Tissue specimen isolating and damaging device and method

ABSTRACT

A device and method for treatment of a tissue specimen disposed in surrounding tissue has a tissue specimen isolating tool and a tissue specimen damager. The tissue specimen isolating tool isolates the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue. The tissue specimen damager damages the tissue, with a possible end result being necrosis. The severing tool may have a cutting member that is extendable to an outwardly radially bowed position about device. The tissue specimen is isolated by rotating the cutting member about the tissue specimen. The cutting member may be functionally connected to a cutting member radio frequency generation source. The tissue specimen damager may damage the tissue specimen using ionizing radiation, cutting devices, thermal treatment devices, chemical treatment devices, or sealing an outer boundary of the tissue specimen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to treatment of tissue specimens and, morespecifically, to the treatment of the tissue specimens in vivo.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] The prior art discloses devices and methods of isolating a tissuespecimen while it remains in surrounding tissue. The prior art alsodiscloses devices and methods of ablating or otherwise damaging anon-isolated tissue specimen in vivo. However, the prior art does notdisclose, suggest, nor motivate combining the two concepts into onemethod or device. Additionally, the prior art does not disclose anysynergistic effects of combining the two concepts.

[0005] It is disclosed in a paper entitled “The Loop Electrode: A NewDevice For US-guided Interstitial Tissue Ablation Using RadiofrequencyElectrosurgery—An Animal Study,” T. Lorentzen et al., Min Invas Ther &Allied Technol 1996: 5: 511-516, that a radiofrequency loop is used toperform interstitial tissue ablation. The device was inserted into calflivers and rotated to interstitially cut off lesions. The paper reviewsminimally invasive tissue ablation techniques, such as intraoperativecryosurgery and percutaneous methods such as laser, microwaves,radiofrequency electrosurgery, and injection of ethanol or hot saline.The paper also reviews high-focused ultrasound as an example of anon-invasive method. The paper does not disclose, suggest, nor motivatecombining the use of a radiofrequency loop with other tissue ablationmethods.

[0006] A procedure is disclosed in a paper entitled “InterstitialHyperthermia Of Colorectal Liver Metastases With A US-guided Nd-YAGLaser with a Diffuser Tip: A Pilot Clinical Study,” C. Nolsoe et al.,Radiology, 1993; 187:333-337, that involves placing a laser fiber in thecenter of a tumor and irradiating the tumor to achieve hyperthermiaablation. It is also disclosed to use ultrasound to monitor thetemperature of the tumor during the method. The paper discloses acharred border region about the tissue specimen and a coagulated regionbeyond the charred border. The paper does not disclose any concernsassociated with ablating a non-isolated tissue specimen. The paper doesnot disclose, suggest, nor motivate combining the use of lasers withother tissue ablation methods.

[0007] It is disclosed in a paper entitled “Phototherapy of Tumors,” S.G. Brown, World J. Surg. 7, 700-709, 1983, the use of the chemicalhematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) in conjunction with a dye laser fortumor therapy. The HpD/dye laser method is not thermal, as is the casewith most laser methods, but depends on the production of singlet oxygenby activated HpD. The paper discloses the promise of the HpD/dye lasermethods—but with no disclosure, suggestion, or motivation to isolate thetissue specimen prior to treatment. The paper discloses the problemsassociated with unacceptable damage to surrounding tissue during thermallaser methods.

[0008] It is disclosed in a paper entitled “Clinical Thermochemotherapy:A Controlled Trial In Advanced Cancer Patients,” F. K. Storm et al,Cancer 53:863-868, 1984, to combine hyperthermia and chemotherapy forincreased drug uptake of cancer cells. The hyperthermia was administeredusing a magnetrode magnetic-loop induction device. The paper doesdisclose the beneficial of preserving the tissue surrounding the tissuespecimen, which in the disclosed method is due to coincident vascularocclusion. It does not disclose, motivate, or suggest direct methods ofsevering vascular connections between a tissue specimen and surroundingtissue, in conjunction with other methods of tissue specimen ablation.

[0009] It is disclosed in a paper entitled “Liver Photocoagulation WithDiode Laser (805 nm) Vs Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm),” S. L. Jacques et al.,SPIE Vol. 1646 Laser-Tissue Interaction III (1992), p. 107-117, thatlaser treatment results in radially expanding regions of tissue damage.The paper does not disclose, suggest, nor motivate isolating the tissuespecimen targeted for necrosis and any result that may have withreducing damage to surrounding tissue.

[0010] It is disclosed in a paper entitled “MR Imaging Of Laser-TissueInteractions,” F. A. Jolesz, Radiology 1988; 168:249-253, that thermaltransfer and damage to surrounding tissue during hyperthermia treatmentshould be monitored. The paper also discloses that circulatory cooling,among other parameters, affects energy deposition. The paper does notdisclose, suggest, nor motivate that isolating the tissue specimen priorto hyperthermia treatment. This information is similarly disclosed in apaper entitled “Temperature Mapping With MR Imaging Of MolecularDiffusion: Application to Hyperthermia,” D. L. Bihan, Radiology 1989;171: 853-857.

[0011] Therefore, the prior art discloses damage occurs to tissuesurrounding a tissue specimen to be treated. What is needed is a deviceand method for reducing damage to the surrounding tissue. What is alsoneeded is a device and method with increased efficiency for damaging thetissue specimens.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In an aspect of the invention, a tissue specimen that is disposedin surrounding tissue is treated. The treatment comprises an isolationstep and a damaging step. During the isolation step, the tissue specimenis isolated from the surrounding tissue by at least partially severingthe tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue. Next, the tissuespecimen is damaged.

[0013] In an aspect of the invention, the isolating step furthercomprises the step of moving a tissue specimen isolating tool about thetissue specimen. In a further aspect of the invention, the tissuespecimen isolating tool comprises a radio frequency energized wire. Thetreatment process may include the step of applying a tool charged withradio frequency energy to the tissue specimen.

[0014] In aspects of the invention, the damaging step may comprisesapplying ionizing radiation to the tissue specimen, cutting the tissuespecimen, thermally treating the tissue specimen, chemically treatingthe tissue specimen, or sealing an outer boundary of the tissuespecimen.

[0015] In an aspect of the invention, a device for treatment of a tissuespecimen in surrounding tissue comprises an operational portion, atissue severing tool, and a tissue specimen damager. The tissue specimenisolating tool and the tissue specimen damager are disposed at theoperational portion.

[0016] In a further aspect of the invention, a radio frequencygeneration source is functionally connected to the tissue specimenisolating tool.

[0017] In an aspect of the invention, the tissue specimen isolating toolof the treatment device comprises a cutting member that is extendable toan outwardly radially bowed position about the operational portion. In afurther aspect of the invention, a cutting member radio frequencygeneration source is functionally connected to the cutting member.

[0018] In an aspect of the invention, the tissue specimen damager of thetreatment device comprises at least one metal member extending from theoperational portion and being functionally connectable to a metal memberradio frequency generation source.

[0019] In aspects of the invention, the tissue specimen damager maycomprise an ionizing radiation director, a tissue specimen cutter, athermal treatment system, or a chemical introduction system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 shows a side view tissue specimen isolating and damagingdevice using radio frequency energized wires according to an embodimentof the invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 in a breastafter isolation of the tissue specimen and prior damaging the tissuespecimen;

[0022]FIG. 3 shows the same sectional view as does FIG. 2 but afterdamaging the tissue specimen by thermal treatment;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a nonexclusive chart of treatment methods for damagingthe tissue specimen according to embodiments of the invention; and

[0024] FIGS. 5-8 are side views of tissue specimen isolating anddamaging devices according to various embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Referring now to the figures, and specifically to FIG. 1, atissue specimen isolating and damaging device 10 comprises a wand 12having a proximal end 14 shown to the right and a distal end 16 shown tothe left. The device 10 is used to isolate a tissue specimen while thetissue specimen is disposed in surrounding tissue and then damage thetissue specimen (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The isolation step may encompassisolating the tissue specimen from circulation and/or may encompassgenerally severing of the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue.After the damaging step, the tissue specimen may remain in the body,turn into fibrotic tissue, and/or be removed from the body during theprocess or at a later time.

[0026] While isolating the tissue specimen may result in necrosis, thedevice 10 damages the tissue specimen to insure necrosis occurs. Thenecrosis of the tissue specimen results in reducing or eliminating thetransfer of malignant or diseased tissue from the tissue specimen. Thenecrosis of the tissue specimen also dissuades the patient's body fromrepairing the tissue specimen. The shown embodiment of the inventionutilizes a radio frequency generator 18 to perform the procedure. Otherembodiments of the invention may use other methods, examples of whichare non-exclusively discussed below.

[0027] Located at the distal end 16 of the wand 12 is an operationalportion 20 of the device 10. The operational portion 20 is involved withboth isolating and damaging the tissue specimen. In the shownembodiment, an outwardly radially bowed wire 22 isolates the tissuespecimen. The wire 22 is disposed at the operational portion 20 androtationally connected to the wand 12. In the shown embodiment of theinvention, the wire 22 is initially in a retracted position against thewand 12 (not shown) to reduce trauma to surrounding tissue duringplacement of the device 10. The wire 22 is extended outward radiallyafter the operational portion 20 is disposed in or proximate to thetissue specimen.

[0028] The wire 22, which is a tissue specimen isolating tool of thedevice 10, is powered by the radio frequency generator 18 and rotated toisolate the tissue specimen. As the wire 22 is rotated, a peripherychannel (see FIG. 2) is formed between the tissue specimen and thesurrounding tissue, thus severing the two. Other embodiments of theinvention may have the wire 22 be fixedly and not rotatably connected tothe wand 12, thus the whole wand is rotated to isolate the tissuespecimen and not just the bowed wire 22.

[0029] Embodiments of the invention may comprise other tissue specimenisolating tools with cutting members, such as is disclosed in commonlyassigned U.S. patent applications to Burbank et al. entitled “BreastBiopsy System and Method,” U.S. Ser. No. 09/057,303 and “BiologicalTissue Specimen Encapsulation Device and Method Thereof,” U.S. Ser. No.09/208,535, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties. Embodiments of the invention may only partially sever thetissue specimen from the surrounding tissue.

[0030] At the distal end 16 is a radio frequency wire 24 that isenergized during the step of inserting the wand 12 into the surroundingtissue. Other embodiments may have other means for inserting the wandinto the surrounding tissue, such as a non-energized piercing tool orsome other form of energized piercing tool. Still other embodiments ofthe invention may not have a piercing tool at the distal end 16, butrather enter the surrounding tissue through a pre-existing passage.

[0031] In the shown embodiment, the tissue specimen is ablated orotherwise damaged after isolation (see FIG. 3). The damaging of thetissue sample results in necrosis. The damage may be caused by ionizingradiation that disrupts cellular functions. The tissue specimen may bedamaged through mechanical means, such as cutting or otherwisemorcellating the tissue specimen. Tissue specimen damage may be theresult of thermal or chemical treatment.

[0032] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, radio frequency wires 28 thatextend from the operational portion 20 of the device 10 are used todamage the tissue specimen. The wires 28 are initially in a retractedposition in wand 12 or disposed on the wand 12. Either before, during,or after the isolation of the tissue specimen, the wires 28 are extendedas shown and enter the tissue specimen. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the wires 28 are disposed in the wand 12 and are extendedprior to isolation of the tissue specimen. The extended wires 28 anchorthe device 10 in the tissue specimen, resulting in a more preciseisolation of the specimen. Other embodiments of the invention may haveother methods or mechanisms for anchoring the device 10 in the tissuespecimen.

[0033] The radio frequency wires 28, which comprise the tissue specimendamager of device 10, are shown extending toward the distal end 16 ofthe wand 12. Other embodiments of the invention may have wires 28extending in any suitable direction. The wires 28 are shown extendingalmost to the radially bowed wire 22, resulting in the wires 28 beingdistributed throughout the tissue specimen. Other embodiments of theinvention may have the wires 28 extending into a portion of the tissuespecimen.

[0034] When energized, the radio frequency wires 28 damage the tissuespecimen by causing the water molecules in the tissue specimen tovibrate and rapidly vaporize. The rapid vaporization results in thedestruction of cells in the tissue specimen, thus damaging the specimen.The rapid vaporization is a form of thermal treatment. The radiofrequency wires may be mono- or bi-polar.

[0035] After treatment, the wires 28 may be retracted into the wand 12.Other embodiments of the invention may not have the wires 28 beingretracted, but rather the wires 28 remain extended and slide out of thetissue specimen during removal of the wand 12 from the surroundingtissue. The distally leaning wires 28 facilitate their sliding out ofthe tissue specimen during wand removal.

[0036] The severing and isolation of the tissue specimen results in amore controlled and simpler process to damage the specimen. In the caseof thermal treatment, a non-isolated tissue specimen is cooled or heatedby blood circulating through the specimen. The thermal treatment of anisolated tissue specimen is not competing with the cooling or heatingeffects of blood circulation. Without competing with the effects ofblood circulation through the specimen, the thermal treatment is shorterand more restricted to the immediate tissue specimen. Further, theisolation reduces thermal damage to the surrounding tissue.

[0037] Functionally connected to the proximal end 14 of the wand 12 is acontrol system 30. In the shown embodiment, the control system 30manipulates the cutting wire 22 and the radio frequency wires 28. Insome embodiments of the invention, the control system 30 may control theinsertion and removal of the wand 12 from the tissue specimen and thesurrounding tissue. The control system 30 is functionally connected tothe radio frequency generator 18 that supplies energy to the wires 22and 28. In the embodiments of the invention in which the radially bowedwire 22 is in a fixed position on the wand 12, the control system 30rotates the wand 12 to isolate the tissue specimen. In other embodimentsof the invention, the components of the device are manipulated by hand.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, the device 10 is shown disposed in abreast 50 with the operational portion 20 being disposed in a tissuespecimen 52. In this embodiment, the breast 50 may be considered thesurrounding tissue. The tissue specimen 52 contains a tumor 54, which isshown cross-hatched. The cutting wire 22 is shown in the outwardlyradially bowed position. The cutting wire 22 has already been rotated,thereby forming a periphery channel 56 and isolating the tissue specimen52. Note the radio frequency wires 28 are not shown extended in FIG. 2.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wires 28 are extendedinto the tissue specimen 52 prior to isolation.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, the tissue specimen 52 of FIG. 2 hasbeen damaged, resulting in damaged tissue specimen 60 through thermaltreatment by the device 10. The radio frequency wires 28 of the device10 are shown extended into the tissue specimen 60. The wires 28 had beenenergized, resulting in the vaporization of the water molecules,disruption of the cells of the tissue specimen, heating the specimen,and the ultimate damaging of it. The amount and time of the treatmentmay be predetermined or the device may comprise a feed back system (notshown) that indicates when the treatment has been completed. In afurther step, the device 10 is removed from the breast 50, eitherwithout or without retracting the radio frequency wires 28 into thedevice 10.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4, Chart 100 is a non-exclusive list ofpossible methods for damaging the in vivo tissue specimen besidesthermal treatment through radio frequency devices. Listed as forms ofthermal treatments 102 are laser, hot fluids, cold fluids, radiofrequency energy and other electrosurgery techniques, microwave,focussed ultrasound, mechanical ultrasound, shock waves, resistiveheating, cryosurgery using liquid or gas, cauterizing, and theapplication of a heated object. An example of a heated object isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,413 to Hussein et al. entitled“Localized Heat Applying Medical Device,” which is incorporated hereinby referenced in its entirety. Other embodiments of the invention mayuse any suitable thermal treatment system to damage the tissue specimen.

[0041] The mechanical treatment list 104 includes morcellators and othercutting devices. The ionizing radiation treatment list 106 includestreatment with x-rays, including x-ray needles, gamma rays, andBrachytherapy seeds, which are forms of ionizing radiation directors.The chemical treatment list 108 includes treatment with ethanol,sotradechol, an acid, a base, various chemical compounds, variouschemical mixtures, a catalyst, a sealing agent that seals the outside ofthe tissue specimen, and a photoreactive chemical that is used inconjunction with a light or laser system. Other embodiments of theinvention may use any suitable chemical treatment system to damage thetissue specimen.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 5, a tissue specimen isolating and damagingdevice 200 has a laser device 202 at an operational portion 204. Thelaser device 202 damages a tissue specimen through thermal treatment.The shown embodiment of the invention has two outwardly radially bowedcutting wires 206. Embodiments of the invention may have one or morecutting wires 206 regardless of the treatment to damage the tissuespecimen. Note that a cutting tip 210 is located at a distal end 212 ofthe device 200.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 6, a tissue specimen isolating and damagingdevice 220 has a morcellator 222 at an operational portion 224. Themorcellator 222 is used to morcellate a tissue specimen. The tissuespecimen may be morcellated after encapsulation of the tissue specimen.Encapsulation of the tissue specimen is disclosed in the previouslyreferenced and incorporated U.S. Patent Application entitled “BiologicalTissue Specimen Encapsulation Device and Method Thereof.” The tissuespecimen may be encapsulated with non-biodegradable or biodegradablematerial. Note that there is not a piercing tool on this embodiment ofthe invention. Other morcellating devices may have a piercing tool. Alsonote that the cutting wire is in a retracted position and not visible.

[0044] In an embodiment of the invention, the tissue specimen is damagedby encapsulation. The damage is the result of the tissue specimen beingphysically isolated from the surrounding tissue. In an embodiment of theinvention, a sheath may at least partially surround the tissue specimen(not shown). In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), thetissue specimen may be physically isolated by encapsulation accomplishedwith a chemical that flows into the periphery channel about the tissuespecimen and seals specimen's outside surface. Suitable techniques knownin the art for ensuring a continuous distribution of the sealingchemical may be employed, such as pressurizing the periphery channel.

[0045] Now referring to FIG. 7, a tissue specimen isolating and damagingdevice 240 has outlets 242 at the operational portion 244. The outlets242 permit the flow of a chemical into the tissue specimen, thustransforming the tissue specimen through a chemical reaction or otherchemical treatment. The isolation of the tissue specimen reduces theamount of chemicals transferring to the surrounding tissue.

[0046] In other embodiments of the invention, hollow needles may extendfrom the operational portion 244 such that the chemical may be injectedinto the tissue specimen through the needles. Other embodiments of theinvention may include slicing tools that make slits in the surface ofthe tissue specimen that is in contact with the wand 246. The slitsfacilitate infusion of the chemical. The slits may also be made by thecutting wire 248. The cutting wire 248 is rotated and partially extendedinto the tissue specimen at periodic intervals either before or afterthe tissue specimen has been isolated.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 8, a tissue specimen isolating and damagingdevice 260 cryogenically treats the tissue specimen 262 disposed at theoperational portion 264 of the wand 266. A cryogenic fluid is flowed tothe operational portion 264 through a feed line 268 and is returned tothe control system (not shown) via a return line 270, both of which isdisposed in the wand 266. The tissue specimen 262 is frozen and damagedthrough thermal treatment with the cryogenic fluid.

[0048] Embodiments of the invention have suitable control systemsincorporated into the tissue specimen isolating and damaging device.Further, the embodiments of the invention are suitably configured fordifferent treatment methods and different tissue specimen shapes andsizes.

[0049] Although presently preferred embodiments of the present inventionhave been described in detail hereinabove, it should be clearlyunderstood that many variations and/or modifications of the basicinventive concepts herein taught, which may appear to those skilled inthe pertinent art, will still fall within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention, as defined in the appended claims.

1. A treatment process for a tissue specimen disposed in surrounding tissue comprising the steps of: a. isolating the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue by at least partially severing the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue; and b. damaging the isolated tissue specimen.
 2. The treatment process of claim 1 , wherein the isolating step further comprises the step of moving a tissue specimen isolating tool about the tissue specimen.
 3. The treatment process of claim 2 , wherein the tissue specimen isolating tool comprises a radio frequency energized wire.
 4. The treatment process of claim 3 , wherein the damaging step further comprises the step of applying a tool charged with radio frequency energy to the tissue specimen.
 5. The treatment process of claim 1 , wherein the damaging step further comprises the step of applying ionizing radiation to the tissue specimen.
 6. The treatment process of claim 1 , wherein the damaging step further comprises the step of cutting the tissue specimen.
 7. The treatment process of claim 1 , wherein the damaging step further comprises the step of thermally treating the tissue specimen.
 8. The treatment process of claim 1 , wherein the damaging step further comprises the step of chemically treating the tissue specimen.
 9. The treatment process of claim 1 , wherein the damaging step further comprises the step of sealing an outer boundary of the tissue specimen.
 10. A device for treatment of a tissue specimen in surrounding tissue comprising: a. an operational portion; b. a tissue specimen isolating tool disposed at the operational portion; and c. a tissue specimen damager disposed at the operational portion.
 11. The treatment device of claim 10 , further comprising a radio frequency generation source that is functionally connected to the tissue specimen isolating tool.
 12. The treatment device of claim 10 , wherein the tissue specimen isolating tool comprises a cutting member that is extendable to an outwardly radially bowed position about the operational portion.
 13. The treatment device of claim 12 , further comprising a cutting member radio frequency generation source that is functionally connected to the cutting member.
 14. The treatment device of claim 13 , wherein the tissue specimen damager comprises at least one metal member extending from the operational portion and being functionally connectable to a metal member radio frequency generation source.
 15. The treatment device of claim 10 , wherein the tissue specimen damager comprises an ionizing radiation director.
 16. The treatment device of claim 10 , wherein the tissue specimen damager comprises a tissue specimen cutter.
 17. The treatment device of claim 10 , wherein the tissue specimen damager comprises a thermal treatment system.
 18. The treatment device of claim 10 , wherein the tissue specimen damager comprises a chemical introduction system. 